EVERYDAY people have more power than they realise to help farmers who might be struggling with the drought, Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson says.
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Currently, the entire region has been declared in drought or is drought-affected and it is not only farmers who are feeling the impacts.
A Drought Toolkit Talk on Monday in Bathurst is open to farmers and also members of the community who want to do their bit to help.
Ms Robinson said people from a wide range of professions who come into contact with farmers have attended previous workshops so they could learn tips on how they can lend their support.
A conversation with a drought-affected farmer might be awkward, but she said there was no denying conversations were needed.
“We are hearing from many businesses and services that support rural communities/farmers that they are noticing signs that people are in distress and that they don’t quite know what to do about it or what to ask to help support them,” she said.
“Or, secondly that they are themselves finding that they are becoming depressed or showing signs of depression due to being constantly exposed to the stories that they hear.
READ MORE: Miners dig deep for drought-affected farmers
“We are inviting these people to gather together … to join in a conversation and share a meal to talk about the tough issues that are often ignored.”
Ms Robinson said she had become particularly concerned about the region due to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) that revealed suicide rates in regional urban areas had increased.
We are hearing from many businesses and services that support rural communities/farmers that they are noticing signs that people are in distress and that they don’t quite know what to do about it or what to ask to help support them.
- Lifeline Central West chief executive officer Stephanie Robinson
“This workshop is for anyone who comes into contact with a farmer, no matter whether you are an accountant, support service, in allied health, a neighbour, in finance or a publican,” she said.
“I had a publican say to me ‘I’ve noticed people who don’t come here anymore and I’ve noticed others who do’.”
The workshop has been made possible thanks to Clubs NSW and Ms Robinson said she was hopeful that if enough people attend the one in Bathurst that workshops would be rolled out across the wider region.
The Drought Toolkit Talk is on Monday, October 8 at 5.30pm at Bathurst RSL Club.
RSVP by calling 1300 798 258 for catering purposes.
To see and download the Drought Toolkit here is the link www.lifeline.org.au/support-lifeline/lifeline-campaigns/drought-tool-kit
- For help in a crisis call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
